Here at Britannia we try to do our bit to keep drivers out there safe on the roads, especially the younger and possibly less experienced drivers. We publish a lot of information and tips about how to stay safe when behind the wheel, with advice on how to drive properly and cautiously at all times – But what about your actual behaviour when in the driving seat?

Studies have shown that a high proportion of accidents involving younger people involve drivers who are distracted when behind the wheel, whether that’s due to using a mobile phone whilst driving or interacting with other road users or vehicle passengers.

Always stay sensible and act safely when driving.

Safe driving from Britannia!

One of the key aspects to becoming and staying a safe and conscientious driver is maintaining a good level of concentration when behind the wheel. This means staying aware of the traffic and your surroundings at all times, to identify any sudden changes that may appear without warning, as well as to identify any problems with your car that could spring up and put yourself or others at risk.

Of course it is also good to feel relaxed when driving, so try not to concentrate too strenuously or you may find yourself making more mistakes.

Safe driving from Britannia!

There are an almost endless amount of hazards that can happen to you when you are out and about in the car. From staying safe in poor weather or road conditions, to making sure your car is up to the job, you do need to be on your guard when behind the wheel.

Because of this, it is advisable to always think ahead when driving. A good rule is to keep an eye on the road ahead of you as far as 10 to 15 seconds in front of your car, to help anticipate any changes in the road conditions or traffic that may cause you to alter your driving speed or direction.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Here at Britannia Driving School, we pride ourselves on our vast amount of information we offer online to help young and inexperienced drivers to get behind a wheel for the first time, to beat the nerves that come with tackling the driving test, and to finally become a confident and fully qualified driver.

However it’s not only learner drivers that we offer tips to. As a driving instructor, you may need a fair share of guidance too – For example, how to mange your busy schedule of pupils, how to handle particularly nervous drivers, and what to do in the unfortunate event of an accident.

Are you a driving instructor with a question, or do you have any tips for our instructors? Let us know below!

Safe driving from Britannia!

Being a learner driver can present a wide variety of difficulties to inexperienced drivers. From first learning to master the art of pulling away, to the challenges of revising for your upcoming theory test, it almost seems an endless stream of obstacles in your way of becoming a fully qualified driver.

One such milestone you will have to pass is the hazard perception test, one half of the driving theory test. This consists of identifying aspects of a moving video that you would consider to be a hazard – i.e. something that may cause a danger to yourself either immediately or at some point in the future, and may result in you needing to change speed or direction to avoid.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Learning to drive can be a struggle for many, going through the various trials and tribulations that come with being a trainee driver, from the initial pain of learning to pull away and to master the steering, to the more complex skills of manoeuvring to the level required to pass your driving test. But it’s important to remember that it’s always worth it in the end.

Not only does becoming a fully qualified driver have it’s obvious rewards, with being granted the freedom of the roads, but it also has many more uses too. Need to help a friend move house? No problem. A relative have an office appointment? You’ll be there. Taking your partner and yourself away for a romantic break? Well, maybe they can drive this time…

Safe driving from Britannia!

There are so many questions that new drivers have when it comes to first getting behind the wheel – From the most basic questions such as “How do I start the car?” or “What do the brakes do?”, to the more complex questions with no definitive answer, such as “How many lessons do I need?” or “When will I know I am ready for my test?“, here at Britannia we hear no shortage of fascinating queries every day.

One such question we hear often is “Does driving come easily?”. Of course, driving is bound to come easier to some people than it does to others. Whilst many may say driving feels natural to them, others may find it an uphill struggle to master being behind the wheel, and to those people we would simply say – Driving becomes easier, the more practice you have!

Safe driving from Britannia!

There are a variety of challenges we face when it comes to driving. From the process of learning to drive, to the stress of booking and passing your test (Eventually!) and everything in between, as well as the countless problems you will face when you’re a fully qualified driver – We’re looking at you, driving insurance premiums!

One other factor that influences how well we drive is our age – Do you think driving gets harder as you get older, or is it easier to drive with more experience under your seat-belt? Certainly our reaction times might increase as age affects us all, however with a lifetime of driving experience behind you, you may just be better than a newly qualified driver.

Safe driving from Britannia!

There are a variety of myths that have sprung up in regards to driving. From the belief that certain driving centres are more likely to pass a certain candidate, or that certain types of candidates are more likely to pass based on race, gender or age, etc – So you shouldn’t always believe what you hear.

One such myth we hear a lot is that Driving Instructors cannot pass more than a certain number of candidates per week. This most likely came about as an excuse for embarrassed candidates who failed their test to make themselves feel better, however this is just not true. The much more likely explanation is that over half of driving test candidates are just not up to the level required to pass the test. It’s as simple as that.

Safe driving from Britannia!

As a learner driver, we are all aware how much pressure the impending driving test can put on you. With the theory revision, lessons with your instructor and private lessons combined, it can really be a stressful point in your life.

But how realistic is the driving test, really? Many argue that the strict test conditions do not in fact mimic real-life driving, and that this additional pressure is likely to cause the candidate to drive differently than they would normally, and that being less relaxed behind the wheel may possibly result in them making mistakes or errors they would not normally make when driving.

What are your thoughts on this? How realistic is the driving test?

Safe driving from Britannia!